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Wednesday, 30 March 2016

The April issue of The Simple Things came out today - I legit gasped when I saw it in WHSmith. I've been waiting for this issue since its cover reveal a couple of weeks back because I am in love with the illustration on the front. ❤️

I'm obsessed with that peachy eyeshadow she wears, and although I couldn't find a colour like that (trying to find solo matte eyeshadows in a very specific shade is HARD), I did find some nice pinky nude colours in a matte MR palette that I'm excited to try.

So for the rest of this beautiful sunny Spring afternoon I'm going to read my magazine and eat the last remnants of Easter chocolate.

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

My family and I had the ultimate shopping day yesterday. I was treated to two Star Wars Pop! figures (Finn and BB-8, of course), a Pandora ring as pictured above (fully aware that it looks like an engagement ring, oops), and a new shiny rose gold iPhone. It was an epic day, topped off with my brother and his girlfriend bringing their dog round for a fuss.

Today was a bit more relaxing - I've cleaned my bedroom (so much DUST) and been to see my lovely nan.

My nan owns possibly the cutest gardening tools I've ever seen - what is this tiny watering can and trowel?! It's absurd and I love it.

These photos were taken on my new iPhone 6S - I think the image quality is fantastic, I'm really loving the camera. I'm considering using full length photos more often on my blog and laying off the gazillion filters I usually use. I'm loving the A Color Story app at the moment for giving my photos a that bit more oomph and vibrance, their filters are subtle but effective.

Monday, 28 March 2016

Sunday, 27 March 2016

Happy Easter all!

Anyone else been watching Thirteen on BBC Three? The finale goes live on iPlayer at noon and I can't wait. It's so good and I don't know anyone else who watches it, sob.

I've already had a Malteser Easter egg this morning but I had my Bran Flakes first so I didn't feel as guilty eating chocolate for my breakfast. We have a bag full of eggs downstairs and some Lindt bunnies so I'm expecting to feel very sick at the end of the day.

We actually managed to get to the Designer Outlet yesterday despite Maps on my phone not working for most of the journey. The weather was atrocious but it was still a great day. I had my first ever Burger King burger which was awesome, bought a couple of t-shirts at half price from Gap, some Rimmel nail polish in a cute summery peachy red, and some cute little decorative signs with bees on (!) from Yumi. When we got home, the storm picked up big time but luckily we were indoors. It was brutal, so glad I wasn't caught in it. It's supposed to carry on today too but it's not so bad at the moment, just windy and a tad grey.

Thought I'd feature this lovely sunflower snap I took a couple of summers ago because I've not taken any decent photos recently. I blame the weather and the fact I'm lazy, ha.

Friday, 25 March 2016

Hope you all have a good Easter weekend, I don't have much planned but it is my step-dad's birthday tomorrow so I think we're riding out to the East Midlands Designer Outlet to do some bargain shopping to celebrate. Sunday I plan to stay in bed all day and eat chocolate which I expect many others will also be doing.

I didn't mention, but last week when I went to York we visited the Teddy Bear shop on Stonegate and I fell in love with the Jellycat toys they stocked, especially the bunnies. I didn't pick one up in the shop for some reason (I was trying to convince myself I didn't have the money when really I did) so the next day I ordered the small bashful hyacinth bunny because I honestly couldn't stop thinking about how cute and soft they were. Also appropriate for Easter!

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

I haven't been posting much recently because I've had a rather quiet and uneventful week. This week will pick up hopefully - my mum is off work for a few days so we have one or two adventures planned. I think we'll be heading back into the Peaks tomorrow but only if the weather's nice.

Today we visited Sainsbury's to check out their new vinyl selection - yep, Sainsbury's sell vinyl now as well as a Crosley record player. It's not a bad selection of vinyl either, they had Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Adele, The Specials, The Smiths, and a couple more. Didn't pick anything up, but I was impressed with what they had and the prices weren't bad either, they were on par with HMV. I hope the vinyl does well because I'd love to see more of it around in bigger stores, especially supermarkets where it's more accessible.

While meandering around Sainsbury's I spotted Game of Thrones season 5 for a mere £25 and snapped it up so now I have 1-5 sitting pretty on my shelf. Planning to binge watch it in bed later. It came with some cool post cards that are exclusive to the Sainsbury's DVD so I suggest you get to Sainsbury's stat!

We also visited my nan and my brother who brought his rescue Staffie round. I love that dog, he's honestly got the cutest face I've ever seen. I took a picture of his cute little nose while he was napping at my nan's. Animal noses are my fave.

Friday, 18 March 2016

I had one last meeting with someone at my now former university today so my mum, my nan and I headed to York this morning and made a day of it.

We didn't do anything overly exciting - I am a tad skint so I didn't do any hardcore shopping (boo), although I did get three pairs of socks from Fat Face which are really cute. We had GBK for lunch and did a bit of wandering around until our feet hurt. Didn't take as many pictures as I thought I would, but to be honest the weather was naff and I wasn't really in the photographing mood.

It felt weird being back in York. I miss it and don't miss it at the same time. It's a strange feeling wandering around thinking that a couple of weeks ago I lived there, but I'm kind of relieved I don't anymore. One day I'd love to move back because it's still my ultimate goal to live there properly (meaning not in university halls) - I've seen many a dream house in Fulford - but for now I'm pleased to be home and experience York as an outsider/tourist again.

In other news, Daredevil season 2 is now on Netflix! Currently half way through episode 3. I've missed this show.

Tuesday, 15 March 2016

My backpack from From The Source arrived this morning. Really happy with it, it's so cute! The colours are lovely, I can't wait to start using it. I also ordered some Burt's Bees lip shimmer this morning, picked the shade Apricot. Not usually the shade I'd go for - it's a sweet peachy colour but I thought it looked cute.

Monday, 14 March 2016

Through the open french window the warm sun
lights up the polished breakfast-table, laid
round a bowl of crimson roses, for one -
a service of Worcester porcelain, arrayed
near it a melon, peaches, figs, small hot
rolls in a napkin, fairy rack of toast,
butter in ice, high silver coffee pot,
and, heaped on a salver, the morning's post.

She comes over the lawn, the young heiress,
from her early walk in her garden-wood
feeling that life's a table set to bless
her delicate desires with all that's good,

that even the unopened future lies
like a love-letter, full of sweet surprise.

Saturday, 12 March 2016

My family and I set off for Bakewell this morning. I've been once before and loved it, and since my mum had never driven there before I was chief navigator. It's so easy to get to and not even that far from where we live.

The views through the Peaks are beautiful. My battery on my film camera died and I didn't take my digital, so I had to make do with my phone which is rubbish at capturing landscapes. I did get an OK one from Bakewell Bridge of the cute houses looking over the River Wye.

I'd love to spend more time out there in the summer. The Peaks are beautiful and make me feel so calm and happy. Wouldn't mind a cottage in Bakewell.

One of the highlights of the day was spotting a man walking past us carrying a squirrel. Just casually, like the squirrel wasn't even fighting it. It just sat there in his hands and loved it. Honestly an amazing sight.

Expect more Peak District trips when the weather picks up, I'm hoping to go to Chatsworth when it reopens next week.

Friday, 11 March 2016

I took a picture of Tilly sleeping on my bed last night - she looks so cute snuggled up with my Tsum Tsums.

I'm home alone today so I've spent my morning so far watching YouTube videos with the volume up high (rebellious) and reorganising my room - I've added some more books to the donation bag and unearthed my mini Tsum Tsums that have been living in a tote bag in the spare room since Feb. I have a lot (didn't even want to count them, it's too overwhelming - it's definitely 40+) but I've finally found a place to put my favourites. That's as exciting as today's going to get, unfortunately.

Tomorrow will involve a bit of DIY - going to have two shelves put up above my desk so the notebooks that have been living on my bedroom floor for three weeks will finally have a place to live.

Thursday, 10 March 2016

I picked up this cute fuchsia jumper from George at Asda today. It's really light and soft and I thought it'd be perfect for summer. You can buy it here.

Currently listening to The Royal Tenenbaums soundtrack I ordered off eBay for £2. Love the music in this film. Nico's "These Days" and Paul Simon's "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard" are my favourite tracks. It's worth a listen.

Wednesday, 9 March 2016

I spent the last of my birthday money yesterday. Bought the shorts from Matalan I've had my eye on all weekend (they're linen blend and so comfortable), another striped t-shirt (like I needed another one), and a couple of random bits from TK Maxx including this bathing milk by Scottish Fine Soaps.

Tuesday, 8 March 2016

For this year's International Women’s Day Google Doodle, Google asked girls and women in 13 cities around the world to complete the sentence “One Day I Will...”. In this post I've featured three of the cities - New Delhi, Lagos, and London. Happy International Women's Day!

Monday, 7 March 2016

1. The Royal Tenenbaums - 2001 - dir. Wes Anderson

I discovered Wes Anderson through watching Fantastic Mr Fox at the cinema in 2009. The aesthetic got me hooked so I ventured into his past films and discovered this gem. TRT is now my favourite movie ever and has been since the first day I watched it. I even went to see it at the Sheffield Showroom two years ago for my birthday. TRT is slick, funny, weird, and totally gorgeous. I'm obsessed with Anderson's use of frame and colour in all of his movies, but more so in this one.

2. Marie Antoinette - 2006 - dir. Sofia Coppola

Again with the aesthetic, Marie Antoinette is sweet, pink, frothy, and romantic. The score is downright flawless (it features Bow Wow Wow, Adam Ant, New Order, and Aphex Twin) and I love the outrageous costumes - bright, bold, and theatrical. Nothing grabs my attention like an aesthetically pleasing film with a smashing soundtrack. MA makes me want to drink champagne at dusk in the gardens of Versailles in a sugary pink dress.

3. Pride & Prejudice - 2005 - dir. Joe WrightYet another aesthetically pleasing film (what a surprise) - P&P is astoundingly beautiful. The scenery makes my heart skip a beat (Derbyshire's a stone's throw away from me, so it feels 'local' almost) and the music is quiet and angelic. Dawn is my favourite track and it's the one that opens the movie. That opening shot puts such a ridiculous grin on my face, I just know I'm in for a treat the second it starts.

Saturday, 5 March 2016

Today has been weird. The weather has been all over the place (currently sat in the dark because there's a huge black cloud hovering over my house, even though 1 hour ago it was blindingly sunny) and time's gone unbelievably slow.

I've written a few blog posts, had my Steepletone out for a bit (listened to a couple of records I haven't listened to in forever), ate lunch, watched a ton of YouTube videos, then had a bath. I love Victoria's Secret shower gel, Secret Charm is my favourite scent, although I don't think they sell it anymore which makes me sad.

I lived in York for five months from September 2015 to February 2016 while attending university. It's such a magical city with breath-taking sights and I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to live there. I've put together this little shopping and sightseeing guide for anyone thinking about visiting - I haven't included any eateries because I'm not a foodie person; I only ever went to the same few high street places (because I'm a picky eater and was always skint) but I have included a couple of recs at the bottom. Anyway, let's begin with...

Shopping:

Every time I walked to and from town I would always pass this shop and I would always go in, whether I had money to spend or not. It's one of those shops where you see something different every time you go in. They stock tons of cute pop culture gifts ranging from Doctor Who, to Minecraft, to Moomin. I love this store for the Pop! figures they stock - I picked up Daenerys Targaryen for £11.99 last year when HMV were stocking them for £14.99. They also have the best occasion cards ever - if you want something funny, vulgar, and unique, pick up a card from GTDAB. You will find all sorts here from mugs, stationery, jewellery, collectables, clothing, prints, keyrings, cushions, bags... the list goes on.

There are a couple of these stores in the UK - Pylones sells weird bits and bobs you never thought you needed. I bought a solar powered dancing flower from there last year and it's honestly one of my favourite things I own. My step-dad bought a rice spatula from there. Honestly quite a weird shop but so wonderful too. It's colourful and fun and worth a visit.

This bookshop is a gem. It's a 5-floor Georgian town-house filled from top to bottom with books. What's not to love? It stocks second-hand and antiquarian books of every subject known to man and doesn't charge an arm and a leg. A must-see if you're a book lover. The first time I went here I spent about two hours in the history section alone. The building itself is so narrow and full that if you're wearing a big backpack or have lots of shopping bags you're advised to leave them near the till because you genuinely won't be able to move around the shop if you don't.

Straight across from the Minster Gate Bookshop is Shared Earth. You can't miss this great big green building on the corner. This shop stocks ethical, Fair Trade gifts including jewellery, bags, stationery, candles, and homeware. Really lovely shop if you're looking for some unique, hand-made gifts. I bought a couple of Christmas presents from here last year and they went down a treat. I really love their jewellery and rugs - they stock beautiful rag rugs in various colours and sizes that I'm dying to get my hands on.

If you're a fan of vinyl, please visit The Inkwell. This little treasure stocks all sorts from jazz, to hip-hop, to movie soundtracks, as well as books, CDs, and record players. I got a bright orange Steepletone from here and it's a solid piece of kit, way better than what I had before. It's dinky, it's portable, and has a handy built-in speaker. The owner is fantastic too and is always playing something foot-tappingly catchy while you're browsing, plus he really knows his stuff. Give this shop a visit! P.S. Gillygate is often overlooked because it's outside the city walls but is a corker of a street if you're in dire need of a coffee or some tunes.

This quirky vintage shop and cafe on the picturesque Shambles is a must-visit. Sadly I haven't visited the cafe but I can vouch for the vintage shop. It's a great little place for a mosey around if you're a fan of cute florals and shabby chic furniture. It's also a very Instagrammable shop, so make sure you have your phone ready. The cafe sounds amazing as they use locally sourced ingredients plus the cakes and sandwiches are all homemade so I'd love to give it a try one day.

There are a lot of Oliver Bonas stores in the south (mainly in London), but there's only one in the north of England and it's in good ol' York (will soon be rectified - OB are coming to Leeds). It's a new arrival too - the York store opened its doors in October 2015 on Stonegate, nestled among big names like Cath Kidston, Jo Malone, Kiehl's, and The White Company. I love OB's fresh, innovative designs. They tend to do a lot of geometrics, copper, and pastels which I quite like. If you're looking for statement furniture or glassware with a bit of pizazz, OB is the place to be.

Sightseeing:

This is a given. You don't go to York and not visit the Minster, even if it's just to stand outside and take photos. If you can, I'd suggest getting tickets and going inside. Nothing will take your breath away quite like the ceiling in York Minster - make sure you don't make yourself dizzy looking up. If you fancy it, pay a bit extra and go up on the roof to see sweeping views of the city. Not done this myself but it's on my list.

The Yorkshire Museum is chock full of Roman and Viking relics, worth a visit if you're interested in York's history. At the moment, the YM has an 11,000 year old early Mesolithic pendant on display which you can read more about here. The York Museum Gardens (featured here) makes for a lovely walk - in the summer you'll find residents and tourists alike sprawled out on the grass reading in the sun. Whatever the weather, St Mary's Abbey ruins are always a sight to behold. If you're visiting York in the summer, take a picnic to the gardens and sit in the shade. Keep an eye on your food because the squirrels will pinch it when you're not looking.

Monk, Bootham, Micklegate, Walmgate. The four bars are all pretty impressive. Monk Bar houses the Richard III museum, while Micklegate Bar houses the Henry VII museum (same link as before). Not visited either (despite being a weird Richard III fan) but I've heard they're fun if you're into the history. If you fancy the trek, walk the city walls and stop off at each bar for photos. Walmgate Bar has a cafe in it so you can enjoy a coffee and admire the sunset.

Obviously if you're looking for more typical tourist attractions, you've got Jorvik, NRM, Barley Hall, York Dungeon and plenty more if you put 'York sightseeing' into Google. If you're looking for something a little less full on or you want to save your money, wandering around York's streets and snickelways is an alternative way to soak up the atmosphere and history. You've got the historic Shambles (go before 10am on a weekday if you don't want a crowded photo) and all the back streets around Stonegate and Davygate. If you want something a bit spookier, go on a Ghost Walk and see York's creepy cobbled streets in the dark.

There we go. I hope this proves helpful for some of you. In terms of eateries, I can recommend Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Bill's, Sutler's (their eggs are to die for), and Pizza Express (go to the one on Lendal Bridge - it's prettier inside). I've been told the Guy Fawkes Inn is nice too. York is full of cafes and restaurants so if you're looking for something more unique, click here. If you have any queries, feel free to drop a comment below and I'll respond when I can.

Friday, 4 March 2016

I had a lovely birthday. Visited a Brewers Fayre pub and had my all time favourite dessert - the Oreo Cookie Pie. If you're ever in a Brewers Fayre, please order this. It's a chocolate pastry tart filled with caramel that's topped with toffee mouse, butterscotch pieces, and crumbled Oreos. It's the food of the Gods. I would have taken a picture but I didn't have the chance - the second it got to the table I'd already inhaled half of it.

Wednesday, 2 March 2016

Thought I'd include a throwback to my 21st when I visited Edinburgh. One of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to with some of the most mind-blowing views. You can see more of my Edinburgh snaps on my Flickr.

Today's going to be a lot more chill - I'm having lunch with my family then the rest of the day will involve me laying in bed watching TV surrounded by chocolate (hopefully).

Tuesday, 1 March 2016

To mark the first day of Spring (which so far has been a grey and wet one), I'm having a good old Spring clean. My new mattress is arriving later so once it's here I'm going to put clean bedding on, hoover, dust, and light some candles (you're not allowed to burn candles at uni so I'm making up for lost time).

This morning I decided to decorate my wardrobe doors with all the pictures and postcards I used to have on my pin board in halls. It's an eclectic collection but I like it. I did have some of these tacked to my bedroom wall this morning but when I took them down to rearrange, the Blu-Tack was practically glued to the wall and when I took it off with a damp cloth, it took the paint off too. Lame. Good job I had some paint handy to go over the mess.

It's my birthday tomorrow (I'm 22!!!!) and I'm hoping I get my accommodation deposit back so I can spend it because I'm dying to go shopping. I'll be job hunting next week so keep your fingers crossed for me.